'Fiji is doing well'

THE number of constructive policies put in place by the Bainimarama government will be the strength of the FijiFirst party, says Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

The FijiFirst was registered as a political party last week and Mr Sayed-Khaiyum, who is also the party general secretary, said the search for its candidate would begin soon.

He said they were awaiting the return of party leader and Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Ret) Voreqe Bainimarama to the country before officially launching the party.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the party would be calling for expressions of interest from Fijians who wished to stand as candidates and wanted to volunteer in the coming week.

"Like all political parties, we will have to campaign and everybody knows the track record of the honourable Prime Minister and his team and what the Prime Minister can deliver," he said.

"He is, after all, the leader of FijiFirst and under his leadership, Fiji has progressed tremendously well."

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the government's policies on common equal citizenry, protecting iTaukei land, focusing on economic growth and other constructive policies would be the party's cornerstone.

"Fiji's economic growth rate currently stands at 3.8 per cent, which is a lot more than Australia and New Zealand and numerous other countries.

"Notwithstanding, for example, the GFC (Global Financial Crisis) and many economies in Europe also crumbling and suffering.

"Fiji is doing well, of course a lot of this is driven by the fact that the Bainimarama government has put in place a number of constructive policies that is not just based for now or tomorrow but for the future.

"I think that is the strength of the leadership and the vision of our honourable prime minister and also leader of FijiFirst."